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The Qatari Film Fund has returned, and submissions for both short and feature films are being accepted until September 1, according to the Doha Film Institute (DFI). The funding has a maximum value of QR182,500.
The Qatari Film Fund provides assistance for the improvement of Qatari filmmakers’ abilities and achievements. The project also aims to strengthen DFI’s commitment for further local film talent. The funding is available to Qatari directors and writers.
“The fund is committed to the development of up to four feature films, and the development, production and post-production of up to eight short films annually. Feature films developed through the fund are eligible for financial support for production, and one film will be selected for production funding in the following year. Projects are selected through two funding cycles per year,” said DFI on its website.
Short and feature films are eligible for development funding valued up to QR182,500 that includes development, production, and post production funds, mentorship, equipment and production support.
Feature film treatments and screenplays at any level of progress are eligible for development funding. And the financing also includes development services, mentorship, and equipment support. Both of the type of films will likewise get support from the Institute.
Under Short films, DFI will work closely with successful applicants throughout the development, production and post-production stages, working with each filmmaker to develop and finalise scripts, establish budgets and schedules, secure creative and technical teams and provide mentorship opportunities with industry specialists as required.
For the Feature films, the Institute will collaborate with each filmmaker to provide bespoke development services, including research, script notes and feedback, script editors, writers’ fees, legal services, location scouting, budgeting and scheduling, and casting, among others.
Moreover, DFI will continue to provide creative and technical training and mentoring through its Learning Initiatives. Qatari screenwriters, writer-directors and producers are encouraged to approach the Institute with film ideas currently in the early stages of development. The Institute will assist with the development, production and post-production of projects through filmmaking workshops and in-house development, and help prepare applications for funding from the Qatari Fund as appropriate.
Short films duration are as follows: narrative, up to 12 minutes; animation, up to seven minutes (2D only), and documentary, up to 30 minutes. Feature-length films are defined as 80 minutes or longer in duration. And there are no restrictions on subject or genre for proposed films.
Guidelines and requirements for the submission for Qatari Film Fund can be accessed through DFI’s website, dohafilminstitute.com.
